The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Greets everyone

Decided to take the plunge on a Blackbird Avenger Blacksteel not too long ago (still under warranty). It's my first Blacksteel watch I really like the look; however I am surprised at how easily scratches can show up. I have noticed I've chipped a bit of the coating off the bezel...noticeably on the 15.

What would be the best way to repair such damage? Is there anything I could possibly do myself?

Or is sending off to Breitling going to be best? Does anyone have an idea of the cost if so?

Thanks

Chris

Welcome to the world of Blacksteel, I do not know if the rider tabs are replaceable by themselves or not. If not, you are looking at a new bezel which will not be cheap. I would just let it be, let the watch develop some "character", otherwise you will drive yourself crazy!

My understanding - and I could be wrong, of course - is that it can't be repaired and would have to be a new bezel. And you know it's titanium, not blacksteel, right?

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Regards

Steve

The bezel is one piece, and would need replacement. In my honest opinion, it's really only the owner of the watch that sees the little bumps and scrapes over time. If it were me, I would wait until the watch needs servicing to get the bezel fixed.
That being said it is going to happen any watch that has a coating can scratch off. It adds character though.


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Any repair you attempt yourself is likely to be noticeable and won't be as durable as the original finish meaning it'll need re-doing along with the other wear and tear that will inevitably occur. As already said, it all adds to the story and character of your watch.

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Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE

Fine watch!... scratches and all.

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I took this into account before I purchased my only Blacksteel -- a Jet Team Chronomat. Before I pulled the trigger, I happened upon a photo on the Breitling website of one of the Jet Team members, whose Jet Team Chronomat had developed some dings over time (can't find that photo anymore, or I'd post a link). Honestly, echoing the comment of Scooter56 -- I thought it gave the watch some character. Dings? Scratches? So be it. Its a tool watch and that's part of the whole deal.

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Cheers,
Jim

While we're at it...

This may already be a well-known fact, but, since I'm new to Blacksteel, thought I'd throw it out there anyway. I've noticed that, despite being labeled "Blacksteel", the case on my Jet Team Chronomat is actually a gun metal color (in other words, it's not jet black). While Blacksteel may certainly have its detractors, I gotta say that this gun metal color is very cool as far as I'm concerned.

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Cheers,
Jim

I think there are bluing chemicals you can use to touch up scratches. I know for guns the cold bluing chemicals work very well at restoring the blackish blue color. Not sure how a cold bluing chemical would react with Titanium though.

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Leave it alone. Short of replacing the rider tab there is nothing you can do to repair it.